Sir Run Run Shaw Lecture Series

Sir Run Run Shaw (1907-2014) was an entertainment mogul and philanthropist who, in the 1960s and 1970s, presided over East Asia’s largest movie studio and produced hundreds of popular movies. He was credited with establishing the kung-fu genre of martial-arts movies, and helped bring Chinese martial arts films to an international audience. A generous philanthropist, especially in the education sector, Shaw remained involved in Hong Kong's media industry well into his later years, retiring as chairman of the television station TVB at the age of 104.

The Shaw Foundation Hong Kong Limited made a gift of HK$1 million to the College of Arts and Sciences through the stewardship of CN Yang, Einstein Professor of Physics, and President Marburger in 1985. This gift was used to establish The Sir Run Run Shaw Endowment, one of the earliest endowments established by the Stony Brook Foundation.  The endowment proceeds support lectures in the College of Arts and Sciences.

In March 1985, Shaw received the Stony Brook Medal from President Marburger in recognition of his generous gift.  

The application for Fall 2024 is now CLOSED.

The Sir Run Run Shaw sponsorship may be co-sponsored with other general internal lecture series. However, we ask that you not combine the Sir Run Run Shaw sponsorship with other named (endowed) lectureships in your unit. Selections will be made on the basis of disciplinary diversity, broad appeal, and available funds. 

Application Deadlines: 

Spring 2025 lectures: Apply by April 1, 2024 

Fall 2025 lectures: Apply by October 1, 2024